scholarly journals A Pilot Study to Examine the Impact of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Anaerobic Exercise Performance in Collegiate Rugby Athletes

Sports ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles R. Smith ◽  
Patrick S. Harty ◽  
Richard A. Stecker ◽  
Chad M. Kerksick

Beta-alanine (BA) is a precursor to carnosine which functions as a buffer assisting in the maintenance of intracellular pH during high-intensity efforts. Rugby is a sport characterized by multiple intermittent periods of maximal or near maximal efforts with short periods of rest/active recovery. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the impact of six weeks of beta-alanine supplementation on anaerobic performance measures in collegiate rugby players. Twenty-one male, collegiate rugby players were recruited, while fifteen completed post-testing (Mean ± SD; Age: 21.0 ± 1.8 years, Height: 179 ± 6.3 cm, Body Mass: 91.8 ± 13.3 kg, % Body Fat: 21.3 ± 4.4). Supplementation was randomized in a double-blind, placebo-controlled manner between 6.4 g/d of beta-alanine and 6.4 g/d of maltodextrin placebo. Body composition, upper and lower-body maximal strength and muscular endurance, intermittent sprint performance, and post-exercise lactate, heart rate, and rating of perceived exertion were assessed before and after supplementation. Data were analyzed using a 2 × 2 (group × time) mixed factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures on time. No significant interaction effects were noted for body mass, fat mass, fat-free mass, and percent bodyfat (p > 0.05). No performance effects resulting from beta-alanine supplementation were detected. Results from this initial pilot investigation suggest that BA exerts little to no impact on body composition parameters, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or intermittent sprinting performance. With the limited research exploring the impact of BA in this sporting context, these initial findings offer little support for BA use, but more research is needed to fully understand the potential impact of BA on various aspects of resistance exercise performance.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas A Deshayes ◽  
Timothee Pancrate ◽  
Eric DB Goulet

Understanding the impact of stressors on the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) is relevant from a performance and exercise adherence/participation standpoint. Athletes and recreationally active individuals dehydrate during exercise. No attempt has been made to systematically determine the impact of exercise-induced dehydration (EID) on RPE. The present meta-analysis aimed to determine the effect of EID on RPE during endurance exercise and examine the moderating effect of potential confounders using a meta-analytical approach. Data analyses were performed on raw RPE values using random-effects models weighted mean effect summaries and meta-regressions with robust standard errors, and with a practical meaningful effect set at 1 point difference between euhydration (EUH) and EID. Only controlled crossover studies measuring RPE with a Borg scale in healthy adults performing ≥ 30 min of continuous endurance exercise while dehydrating or drinking to maintain EUH were included. Sixteen studies were included, representing 147 individuals. Mean body mass loss with EUH was 0.5 ± 0.4%, compared to 2.3 ± 0.5% with EID (range 1.7 to 3.1%). Within an EID of 0.5 to 3% body mass, a maximum difference in RPE of 0.81 points (95% CI: 0.36-1.27) was observed between conditions. A meta-regression revealed that RPE increases by 0.21 points for each 1% increase in EID (95% CI: 0.12-0.31). Humidity, ambient temperature and aerobic capacity did not alter the relationship between EID and RPE. Therefore, the effect of EID on RPE is unlikely to be practically meaningful until a body mass loss of at least 3%.


2015 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carla Cristiane da Silva ◽  
Tamara Beres Lederer Goldberg ◽  
Lúcio Flávio Soares-Caldeira ◽  
Ricardo dos Santos Oliveira ◽  
Solange de Paula Ramos ◽  
...  

AbstractThis study aimed to examine the alterations in physiological and biochemical markers, after 17 weeks of ballet training in high level ballet dancers. Twenty four female ballet dancers from 12 to 15 years old took part in the study. The study followed 17 weeks of ballet training and analyzed changes in body composition, the autonomic nervous system and biochemical variables before and after (post) training. The internal training load was obtained using the session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE) method, calculated as the mean weekly session-RPE, monotony and strain. After 17 weeks of training there were significant increases in body mass, height, lean body mass, total protein, urea, hemoglobin concentration, testosterone and thyroxine. During this period, decreases in relative body fat, uric acid, red blood cells, C-reactive protein, and ferritin were also found. After the training period, the autonomic modulation demonstrated significant positive alterations, such as increases in parasympathetic related indices. Based on the results obtained we concluded that ballet training led to improvements in body composition and autonomic modulation. In general hematological and biochemical variables demonstrated that the training did not have adverse effects on the health state of the adolescents.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelvin Euton Oliveira Carmo ◽  
Diego Ignácio Valenzuela Pérez ◽  
Charles Nardelli Valido ◽  
Jymmys Lopes dos Santos ◽  
Bianca Miarka ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Nutritional ergogenic aids are foods or nutrients that can improve physical performance. Among these foods with ergogenic properties, caffeine has shown that it can increase the fat catabolism, strength, and improve the cognition and time reaction of an athlete, therefore, it is hoped that it can improve the performance of judokas. This study through a double-blind crossover (supplement X placebo) protocol, investigated the effects caffeine supplementation (single capsule containing 5 mg/kg body mass intake 60 min before the session) on biochemical, anthropometrical, physical, subjective and hemodynamic variables measured before, during and after two typical judo trainingcxs sessions (120-min: 40-min of gymnastics; 40-min of specific technics and; 40-min of judo combat). Methods 8 high-level athletes (21.4 ± 2.0 years; 83.6 ± 15.2 kg; 1.8 ± 0.1 m; 17.9 ± 7.0 Fat%) were evaluated before and after each training for body mass, hydration, upper and lower limb power, performance in the special judo fitness test (SJFT), free fatty acids (FFA) in plasma, uric acid, glucose, lactate, heart rate, and pain. In addition, heart rate, FFA in plasma, uric acid, glucose, lactate, rating of perceived exertion and pain were assessed during the training. Results At 120 min, supplementation resulted in a higher concentration of plasma FFA (1.5 ± 0.5 vs. 1.0 ± 0.3 mmol/L; p = 0.047) and lactate (4.9 ± 1.8 vs. 3.0 ± 1.2 mmol/L; p = 0.047), and a lower concentration of uric acid (5.4 ± 0.9 vs. 7.0 ± 1.5 mg/dL; p = 0.04). Supplementation also resulted in performance maintenance (fatigue index) in the SJFT (Δ0.3 ± 2.0 vs Δ1.7 ± 2.5, for caffeine and placebo respectively, p = 0.046). No adverse effects were observed. Conclusion Based on the applied dose, intake time, and sample of this study, we can conclude that caffeine produces an ergogenic biochemical effect, and improves performance in judo athletes.


Author(s):  
Joana M. Correia ◽  
Inês Santos ◽  
Pedro Pezarat-Correia ◽  
Cláudia Minderico ◽  
Brad J. Schoenfeld ◽  
...  

Using a crossover design, we explored the effects of both short- and long-term time-restricted feeding (TRF) vs. regular diet on Wingate (WnT) performance and body composition in well-trained young men. Twelve healthy male physical education students were included (age: 22.4 ± 2.8 years, height: 174.0 ± 7.1 cm, body mass: 73.6 ± 9.5 kg, body mass index: 24.2 ± 2.0 kg/m2). The order of dieting was randomized and counterbalanced, and all participants served as their own controls. TRF was limited to an 8-h eating window and non-TRF involved a customary meal pattern. Participants performed WnT tests and body composition scans at baseline, post-one and post-four weeks of the assigned diet. Before testing, participants were asked to fill out a dietary record over four consecutive days and were instructed to continue their habitual training throughout the study. Energy intake and macronutrient distribution were similar at baseline in both conditions. WnT mean power and total work output increased post-four weeks of TRF. Both conditions were similarly effective in increasing fat-free mass after four weeks of intervention. However, there was no correlation between change in fat-free mass and WnT mean power after TRF. TRF did not elicit any changes in WnT performance or body composition one week post-intervention. Thus, long-term TRF can be used in combination with regular training to improve supramaximal exercise performance in well-trained men.


2015 ◽  
Vol 180 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Lystrup ◽  
Gordon F. West ◽  
Matthew Ward ◽  
Jennifer Hall ◽  
Mark Stephens

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 804-809 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luciana S Decimoni ◽  
Victor M Curty ◽  
Livia Almeida ◽  
Alexander J Koch ◽  
Jeffrey M Willardson ◽  
...  

We investigated the effect of carbohydrate mouth rinsing on resistance exercise performance. Fifteen recreationally trained women (age 26 ± 4 y; height 1.61.9 ± 5.1 m; weight 59.5 ± 8.2 kg) completed two resistance exercise bouts consisting of three sets of five exercises (half-squat, leg press, bench press, military press, and seated row) to volitional fatigue with a 10 repetition-maximum load. Immediately prior to and during the middle of each exercise bout, subjects mouth rinsed for 10 s with 100 mL of either a 6% maltodextrin solution (CHO) or an artificially flavored solution (PLA) in a randomized, double-blind, counterbalanced fashion. Heart rate and perceived exertion were compared between conditions using a 2 (conditions) × 15 (time points) repeated measures ANOVA. Significant main effects were further analyzed using pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni post hoc tests. Total volume (exercises * sets * repetitions * load) between sessions was compared with a Student’s t-test. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05 level of confidence. The CHO resulted in more repetitions performed during half-squat, bench press, military press, and seated row, for a significantly greater (∼12%) total volume load lifted versus PLA ( p = 0.039, ES: 0.49). Rating of perceived exertion was also significantly lower in the CHO versus PLA ( p = 0.020, ES: 0.28). These data indicate that CHO mouth rinsing can enhance high-volume resistance exercise performance and lower ratings of perceived exertion.


Author(s):  
Pedro L. Valenzuela ◽  
Jaime Gil-Cabrera ◽  
Eduardo Talavera ◽  
Lidia B. Alejo ◽  
Almudena Montalvo-Pérez ◽  
...  

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of resistance power training (RPT, training with the individualized load and repetitions that maximize power output) and cycling power training (CPT, short sprint training) in professional cyclists. Methods: The participants (20 [2] y, peak oxygen uptake 78.0 [4.4] mL·kg−1·min−1) were randomly assigned to perform CPT (n = 8) or RPT (n = 10) in addition to their usual training regime for 7 weeks (2 sessions/wk). The training loads were continuously registered using the session rating of perceived exertion. The outcomes included endurance performance (8-min time trial and incremental test), as well as measures of muscle strength/power (1-repetition maximum and mean maximum propulsive power on the squat, hip thrust, and lunge exercises) and body composition (assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). Results: No between-group differences were found for training loads or for any outcome (P > .05). Both interventions resulted in increased time-trial performance, as well as in improvements in other endurance-related outcomes (ie, ventilatory threshold, respiratory compensation point; P < .05). A significant or quasi-significant increase (P = .068 and .047 for CPT and RPT, respectively) in bone mineral content was observed after both interventions. A significant reduction in fat mass (P = .017), along with a trend (P = .059) toward a reduced body mass, was observed after RPT, but not CPT (P = .076 for the group × time interaction effect). Significant benefits (P < .05) were also observed for most strength-related outcomes after RPT, but not CPT. Conclusion: CPT and RPT are both effective strategies for the improvement of endurance performance and bone health in professional cyclists, although the latter tends to result in greater improvements in body composition and muscle strength/power.


Author(s):  
Devin Goddard McCarthy ◽  
William Bostad ◽  
Fiona Jane Powley ◽  
Jonathan P. Little ◽  
Douglas Richards ◽  
...  

There is growing interest in the effect of exogenous ketone body supplementation on exercise responses and performance. The limited studies to date have yielded equivocal data, likely due in part to differences in dosing strategy, increase in blood ketones, and participant training status. Using a randomized, double-blind, counterbalanced design, we examined the effect of ingesting a ketone monoester (KE) supplement (600 mg/kg body mass) or flavour-matched placebo in endurance-trained adults (n=10 males, n=9 females; VO2peak=57±8 ml/kg/min). Participants performed a 30-min cycling bout at ventilatory threshold intensity (71±3% VO2peak), followed 15 min later by a 3 kJ/kg body mass time-trial. KE versus placebo ingestion increased plasma [β-hydroxybutyrate] before exercise (3.9±1.0 vs 0.2±0.3 mM, p<0.0001, dz=3.4), ventilation (77±17 vs 71±15 L/min, p<0.0001, dz=1.3) and heart rate (155±11 vs 150±11 beats/min, p<0.001, dz=1.2) during exercise, and rating of perceived exertion at the end of exercise (15.4±1.6 vs 14.5±1.2, p<0.01, dz=0.85). Plasma [β-hydroxybutyrate] remained higher after KE vs placebo ingestion before the time-trial (3.5±1.0 vs 0.3±0.2 mM, p<0.0001, dz=3.1), but performance was not different (KE: 16:25±2:50 vs placebo: 16:06±2:40 min:s, p=0.20; dz=0.31). We conclude that acute ingestion of a relatively large KE bolus dose increased markers of cardiorespiratory stress during submaximal exercise in endurance-trained participants. Novelty bullets: •Limited studies have yielded equivocal data regarding exercise responses after acute ketone body supplementation. •Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, counterbalanced design, we found that ingestion of a large bolus dose of a commercial ketone monoester supplement increased markers of cardiorespiratory stress during cycling at ventilatory threshold intensity in endurance-trained adults.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 298-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro L. Valenzuela ◽  
Javier S. Morales ◽  
Adrián Castillo-García ◽  
Alejandro Lucia

Purpose: To determine the acute effects of ketone supplementation on exercise performance (primary outcome) and physiological and perceptual responses to exercise (secondary outcomes). Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus (since inception to July 21, 2019) to find randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of acute ketone supplementation compared with a drink containing no ketones (ie, control intervention). The standardized mean difference (Hedges g) between interventions and 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed using a random-effects model. Results: Thirteen studies met all inclusion criteria. No significant differences were observed between interventions for overall exercise performance (Hedges g = −0.05; 95% CI, −0.30 to 0.20; P = .68). Subanalyses revealed no differences between interventions when analyzing endurance time-trial performance (g = −0.04; 95% CI, −0.35 to 0.28; P = .82) or when assessing the separate effects of supplements containing ketone esters (g = −0.07; 95% CI, −0.38 to 0.24; P = .66) or salts (g = −0.02; 95% CI, −0.45 to 0.41; P = .93). All studies reported increases in plasma ketone concentration after acute ketone supplementation, but no consistent effects were reported on the metabolic (plasma lactate and glucose levels), respiratory (respiratory exchange ratio, oxygen uptake, and ventilatory rate), cardiovascular (heart rate), or perceptual responses to exercise (rating of perceived exertion). Conclusions: The present findings suggest that ketone supplementation exerts no clear influence on exercise performance (from sprints to events lasting up to ∼50 min) or metabolic, respiratory, cardiovascular, or perceptual responses to exercise. More research is needed to elucidate if this strategy could provide ergogenic effects on other exercise types (eg, ultraendurance exercise).


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